Lorraine McRae

Lorraine Alberta Hamilton McRae passed away in her home from natural causes on January 30, 2023. She was 70 days from her 101st birthday. Lorraine was born on April 11, 1922, in Wilmington, NC as the daughter of William “Shorty” Hamilton and Mable Lee Williams Hamilton.

Lorraine graduated from New Hanover High School in 1939 and met the love of her life, Branson Jackson McRae, in 1941. Lorraine and Branson were married in July, 1941 and had four children- Gail, Sandra, Gary and Jim. Lorraine supported Branson by keeping books for Branson’s construction business and later the family’s shoe manufacturing business. Lorraine retired in 1970 and enjoyed activities that she was unable to do while working full time. She had more time with her seven grandchildren and could be more involved in her church. Lorraine also took time for herself by finding her artistic side in writing poetry for her grandchildren, oil painting, and working with pottery. She found time for more gardening, swimming lessons, and one of her favorite activities- line dancing with the “Montgomery Line Strollers.” She and Branson were also able to take many trips to enjoy the sights of Europe, Hawaii, Asia, and Australia.

Lorraine is preceded in death by her husband, Branson Jackson McRae; parents William and Mable Lee Hamilton and six siblings: Harold Hamilton, Mary Elizabeth Hamilton, Viola Gertrude Hamilton, Mable Ruth Smith, Albert Sylvester Hamilton, and Mary Catherine Hamilton.

Lorraine is survived by her four children: Gail and husband Ronny Hutchinson of White Lake, NC; Sandra and husband Dennis Harris of Charlotte, NC; Gary McRae and wife Kat of Mt. Gilead, NC; and Jim McRae and wife Kathy of Mt. Gilead, NC. She is survived by seven grandchildren: Beth Tilley and husband Brian, Jay McRae and wife Jessica, Will McRae and wife Susan, Courtney Zeiss and husband Bryan, Branson McRae and wife Michelle, Andrew Harris and wife Emily, and Stephanie Greenfield and husband Zack. Seven great-grandchildren survive Lorraine: Ethan McRae, Abigail McRae, Jackson McRae, Samantha Greenfield, Zena McRae, Caroline Grace Harris and Ainsley Kate Harris. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and their families. Lorraine’s family wishes to thank members of First Presbyterian Church of Mt. Gilead. For over 70 years, Lorraine enjoyed the friendship and support of her close friends and pastors at First Presbyterian Church.

We would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Michael Daley and all First Health staff for their thoughtful and loving care of Lorraine for many years. In recent months, the professional expertise and support of the staff at First Health Hospice and Palliative Care has allowed Lorraine to stay in the comfort of her home with her family. Lorraine was also able to stay at home because of the wonderful caregivers who provided companionship and personal assistance for her. Thank you for making Lorraine’s life easier and for helping our family during challenging times.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to First Presbyterian Church of Mt. Gilead, NC (PO Box 157 Mt. Gilead, NC 27306) or the Wadeville Volunteer Fire Department of Wadeville, NC. (Station 6/Squad 6 111 Wadeville Fire Station Rd. Mt. Gilead, NC 27306)

Lorraine’s family will have a visitation at Edwards Funeral Home at 200 W Allenton St. in Mt. Gilead, NC on Friday, February 3 from 4:30 PM-7:00 PM. The funeral will be held on Saturday, February 4 at 11:00 AM at First Presbyterian Church of Mt. Gilead at 220 N Main St. in Mt. Gilead, NC. The family will have a private burial ceremony.

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